{
  "id": 1408575,
  "title": "LSU QB Sam Leavitt Has NFL Scouts on Notice",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/lsu-qb-sam-leavitt-has-nfl-scouts-on-notice",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T03:31:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/lsu-qb-sam-leavitt-has-nfl-scouts-on-notice-12329804"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Trinidad Chambliss, a former Division II standout at Ferris State University, thrived as a quarterback at Ole Miss under coach Lane Kiffin last season. Now, as Kiffin is at LSU, the prospect of LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt joining the fray for the 2027 NFL Draft is becoming increasingly likely. Leavitt, who transferred from Arizona State, led the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 before experiencing a decline in 2025 due to a foot injury. ESPN's Jordan Reid suggests that NFL scouts and evaluators have high hopes for Leavitt, who could potentially climb from a Day 2 prospect to a first-round pick if he continues to excel at LSU. Leavitt's speed and dual-threat capabilities align well with Kiffin's aggressive offense, potentially accelerating his development. Following a breakout 2024 season, Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in 2024. Despite dealing with a foot injury, he managed to put together a 5-2 start in 2025, throwing for 1,628 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Now healthy, Leavitt has praised his improvement in training camp, noting that he is ready to take the field. With a more robust support system surrounding him, Leavitt is poised to elevate LSU's chances of making a College Football Playoff run this season. A successful run could set the stage for a first-round draft selection for Leavitt.",
  "summary": "LSU QB Sam Leavitt could work his way to becoming a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft if he excels under Lane Kiffin.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Division II star Sam Leavitt transfers to LSU.",
    "Led Wildcats to Big 12 championship in 2024.",
    "NFL scouts optimistic, potential first-round pick."
  ],
  "editors_take": "A healthy Sam Leavitt in Lane Kiffin's offense could fast-track his rise from a Day 2 NFL prospect to a first-round pick, elevating LSU's College Football Playoff chances in the process.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}